radiant orchid

Get radiant in 2014

In Beauty, Fashion, Living, Style by Angela Amman2 Comments

How to identify radiant orchid

Pantone named Radiant Orchid as the 2014 Color of the Year, and reactions ranged from cheers to jeers. Noses wrinkled at the idea of incorporating a shade of purple that danced dangerously close to the lavender associated with grandmothers, and hands clapped as people realized radiant orchid is flattering to both skin tones and home decor. You don’t need to carry around a Pantone sample to incorporate the shade into your home or your wardrobe. The color of the year is a rosy shade of purple, so look for warm — pinkish — undertones in a light purple shade.

radiant orchid - fashion

radiant orchid – fashion by angelaamman on Polyvore

1. Bring radiant orchid into your closet

At first glance, radiant orchid may seem tough to incorporate into your wardrobe, but the shade is surprisingly versatile. Pair it with shiny gold accessories to highlight the rose tones or mute the color a bit by wearing it with silver or gray. Wearing it for a special occasion this year is an easy way to step away from your favorite little black dress. Sitting in the Color of the Year spot ensures there will be shopping options in all shapes and silhouettes. Red carpet style is already reflecting the radiant orchid trend.

radiant orchid - makeup

radiant orchid – makeup by angelaamman on Polyvore

2. Stock your makeup bag with radiant orchid options

You can use radiant orchid in bold slashes of color on your eyes and lips or incorporate the color more subtly. Nail polish is a comfortable place to begin — try it on your toes first if you’re truly unsure about purple polish. A light wash of purple shadow is universally flattering. Test a few shades, and you’re sure to find one that brightens your blue eyes or adds sparkle to brown ones.

radiant orchid - accessories

 radiant orchid – accessories by angelaamman featuring suede shoes

3. Radiant orchid accessories are a fun pop of color

If you like to keep your wardrobe grounded in neutrals, try a few accessories. Accessories are the perfect way to stay on trend without revamping your entire closet. No one will remember you’ve been wearing your most flattering jeans for two years if they’re staring at your fabulous new bag. Even baby gear is reflecting Pantone’s Color of the Year choice.

radiant orchid - home

 radiant orchid – home by angelaamman featuring a lucite lamp

4. Use radiant orchid in your home

Gray has been making inroads as the home’s most popular neutral shade, which is wonderful for design fans because gray is the perfect canvas for radiant orchid decor. The warmth of the purple shade deepens the impact of gray, and the colors work together in a calming, sophisticated way. Gardeners will love that their beloved orchids are perfectly stylish, but faux flowers and other accents will work just as well.

Savvy picks for incorporating radiant orchid into your life
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Molly Coddled Nail Lacquer from Butter London ($15)
Paint an accent wall with Valspar Radiant Orchid (Lowes, 10 ounces, $4)
Cozy cowl neck warmer (Etsy, Smiling Knitting, $30)
Chuck Taylors, low in Purple Cactus Flower (Converse, $50)
Tibi skater dress from Net-a-Porter ($95)
Jade chair from Haute House (Neiman Marcus, $1,600)

For more radiant orchid ideas, follow us on Pinterest — you’ll love our radiant orchid board.

Meet the Author | Angela Amman


Angela Amman is a short story and essay writer. Collecting her family's stories is a gift-in-progress for her daughter and son, and she blogs at Playing with Words, capturing the craziness and beauty that weave together to create something extraordinary. As the co-director of Listen To Your Mother Metro Detroit, Angela is thrilled to bring others' stories to the stage and to celebrate the magic of words, storytelling, and the courage to share that magic with an audience. When she should be sleeping, she works on her latest short story collection. Her writing has been featured on Mamalode, Peacock Journal, and Scary Mommy. Her personal essays and short stories have appeared in her collection, Nothing Goes Away, and various anthologies.

Comments

  1. I’m a Jamberry Nail Wrap Consultant and they just released our
    color of the year wraps on Monday. I haven’t paid much attention to it, frankly (although I usually do) but after seeing the wraps I’m obsessed! Great tips 🙂

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